Should tweeting be allowed in courtrooms?

As the AP repored, the issue surfaced recently “by a Chicago court’s decision to ban anyone from tweeting or using other social media at the upcoming trial of a man accused of killing Oscar winner Jennifer Hudson‘s family.

“Reporters and their advocates insist the practice is essential to providing a play-by-play for the public as justice unfolds. … The judge in the Illinois case fears that feverish tweeting on smartphones could distract jurors and witnesses when testimony begins April 23.”

Whaddya think?

— Would tweeting disrupt courtroom proceedings?

— Or is Twitter a modern innovation that courts should allow to provide more information to the public?

— Is there a way for observers to tweet discreetly, or is the practice going to be noticed anyway?

— Should the ability to tweet be decided on a case-by-case basis by each presiding judge?